We are now well into fall. With the fall season comes the dreaded flu. Influenza, also known as the flu, is an acute infection of the airway tract in the nose and throat that can sometimes spread down into the lungs. Unfortunately, our kids are among the groups most at risk for developing the flu.
This year we are faced with this new and different strand of flu that has the potential threat to reach pandemic levels – the H1N1 virus or “Swine Flu”.
Most of us confuse the seasonal flu with the common cold or stomach bug, but the symptoms of flu are much more severe. The key influenza symptoms in children include a high-grade fever ranging from 100 - 104 degrees Fahrenheit, chills, body and muscle aches, profound fatigue and a dry hacking cough. H1N1 symptoms are similar, with the addition of breathing difficulty. Symptoms in children start abruptly, usually two to three days after exposure to the virus. These usually last for three to four days, but coughing and fatigue may linger for up to two weeks after the fever has broken.
This year, the seasonal flu has dawned upon us earlier. The virus is spread when a child either inhales infected droplets released into the air through coughing or sneezing, or when a child comes in direct contact with an infected person's secretions. This can happen when children share objects such as pencils, knives, forks, spoons, touch a door knob or book, or even play a video or computer game.
It is essential to learn how you can protect your child. It is important to take the following preventative measures to guard your child from the flu:
Vaccination: The best way to prevent catching the flu is to get the annual flu vaccine. Both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccine should be given to children older than 6 months. Two separate doses are required for children younger than age 9 who have not been previously vaccinated. The flu vaccine is also available as a nasal spray for healthy children ages 5 and older.
Clean hands: Children should frequently wash their hands throughout the day with soap and water or an alcohol hand gel. Avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes prior to hand washing. Encourage your child to wash their hands after wiping their noses and before eating.
Disinfecting: Be sure to regularly clean your kitchen counters and other surfaces with a virus killing disinfectant. Speak to your child's teacher or day care provider to make sure they are sanitizing their classroom surfaces.
Coughing and sneezing: Children should cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. If they don’t have a tissue handy (which is very likely) then encourage them to cough or sneeze into their elbows. If a tissue is used make sure it is thrown away tissue away immediately afterward.
If your child becomes one of the unfortunate to contract the flu, the only cure is time. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest at home and drinks lots of fluids. Don’t rush him back to school until he is completely cured. Acetaminophen can be taken to relieve body aches or fever. Keep your child at home while their fever lasts to prevent spreading the virus to others. The flu can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis and dehydration, so it is imperative to seek medical care if your child's condition worsens or if their fever continues after three days.
You must act responsibly as parents, because you are the front line of defense for this virus.